This Memorial Day, the Phillies (28-21) head to Atlanta to battle over first place in the National League East division, against the Braves (28-22).
Philadelphia's recent offensive struggles and 6 losses in their last 8 games, have left a door open for the Braves, who have won 5 straight and 10 of their past 12 games, to creep upward in the standings. Two weeks ago, the Braves sat in last place, 6 1/2 games behind the Phillies. Now, the Braves are in second place just 1/2 game in back of the Phils. The Phillies have been in first place since May 2nd.
The Braves will be lead by starting pitcher Tommy Hanson in the series opener, on Monday afternoon, while the Phillies will counter with Joe Blanton.
Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups as well as plenty more stats and info.
Monday, 1:05pm. Joe Blanton (1-3, 5.63 ERA) vs. Tommy Hanson (4-3, 4.06 ERA). In 7 career games against Atlanta, Blanton is 1-2 with a 5.31 ERA. In two road starts this season, Blanton is 1-1 with a 7.30 ERA. Brian McCann is 7-for-17 (.412 avg) with 2 homeruns against Blanton. In 3 career starts against the Phillies, Hanson is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA and a .319 batting average against. Hanson's home ERA in 5 starts this year is 6.41, compared to his road ERA in 5 games, which is 2.03. In his lone day start this year, Hanson allowed 8 earned runs in 1 2/3 innings against the Reds on May 20th.
Tuesday, 7:10pm. Cole Hamels (5-3, 3.82 ERA) vs. Tim Hudson, (5-1, 2.24 ERA). In 5 road starts this season, Hamels has posted a 2-2 record with 4.80 ERA. In 5 May starts, Hamels is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA. Yunel Escobar is 1-for-16 (.063 ERA) in his career against Colbert. In 16 career starts against the Phillies, Hudson has posted a 4-7 record with a 3.75 ERA. In 3 home starts this year, Hudson is 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA. In 6 May starts, Hudson is 4-0 with a 1.59 ERA and .199 batting average against.
Wednesday, 1:05pm. Kyle Kendrick (3-2, 5.04 ERA) vs. Derek Lowe (7-4, 4.86 ERA). In 8 career games vs. Atlanta, Kendrick is 4-1 with a 2.72 ERA. Kendrick has a 3.13 ERA over his last 5 starts. Kendrick pitched 8 shut out innings against the Braves on April 20th. In 16 games against the Phillies in his career, Lowe has a 6-3 record with a 3.47 ERA. Lowe took the loss when he surrendered 4 earned runs in 5 innings on April 22nd against the Phillies. Lowe has a 2.88 ERA over his last 4 starts. Chase Utley is 12-for-27 (.444 avg) with 3 doubles and 2 homers against Lowe in his career.
Chase Utley is 4-for-30 (.133 avg) with just 1 run scored and 1 RBI in his last 8 games. Utley is hitting just .240 in 26 road games this season.
Shane Victorino is 11-for-53 (.208 avg) combined against Hanson, Hudson and Lowe in his career. Victorino, the Phillies' lead-off batter has scored 1 total run in his last 12 games played.
Brad Lidge has been activated from the disabled list. Nelson Figueroa has been designated for assignment to make room on the 25-man Major League roster.
Brian McCann has hit more homeruns (12) against the Phillies than he has against any other team. McCann is a lifetime .301 hitter in 77 games against Philadelphia.
Martin Prado is 13-for-29 (.448 avg) in his last 6 games. In 43 games against the Phillies, Prado is a 3.28 hitter.
Phillies team batting average- .261
Braves team batting average- .255
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Brian McCann has hit more homeruns (12) against the Phillies than he has against any other team. McCann is a lifetime .301 hitter in 77 games against Philadelphia.
Martin Prado is 13-for-29 (.448 avg) in his last 6 games. In 43 games against the Phillies, Prado is a 3.28 hitter.
Phillies team batting average- .261
Braves team batting average- .255
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